Consumer appliances having one or more noise cancellation features

ABSTRACT

A consumer appliance is provided herein. The consumer appliance may include a cabinet, an exterior panel, an electromechanical driver, an electromechanical receiver, and a controller. The cabinet may define an internal chamber. The exterior panel may be mounted to the cabinet. The electromechanical driver may be fixed to the exterior panel to generate a soundwave therefrom. The electromechanical receiver may be mounted within the cabinet. The controller may be configured to initiate a noise canceling operation. The noise canceling operation may include receiving a noise input signal at the electromechanical receiver and initiating an anti-noise wave at the electromechanical driver through the exterior panel based on the received noise input signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to consumer appliances, andmore particularly to consumer appliances having one or more features formasking or canceling noise within the surrounding or ambientenvironment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The amount of noise generated by consumer appliances (e.g., refrigeratorappliances, oven or cooking appliances, dishwashing appliances, washingmachine appliances, dryer appliances, range hoods, etc.) has generallydecreased over time. Advances in technology allow modern consumerappliances to generate less noise than most consumer appliances didseveral years ago. Advanced damping materials have also reduced theamount of audible noise that modern consumer appliances emit. However,excessive or undesirable noise within a room that houses a consumerappliance remains a constant concern for users. In some instances,undesirable noise is generated by a specific consumer appliance. Inother instances, undesirable noise is the collective or ambient soundsgenerated by multiple sources and a given environment. In either case,undesirable noise or noise levels will often disturb users and reducetheir overall enjoyment of a given appliance.

Attempts have been made to mask or cancel out noise by using sound(e.g., anti-noise signals) in a phase opposite of the phase of thenoise. Generally, sound sources, such as speakers, are required totransmit such sounds. Often, the sound sources require especially largecomponents or diaphragms in order to generate sound of the appropriatefrequency. For instance, large consumer appliances can producerelatively low frequencies, thereby requiring relatively largediaphragms. Such components naturally either increase the overall sizeof a consumer appliance, reduce the amount of available usable space forthe consumer appliance, or both. Moreover, these components may increasematerial costs and complexity for assembly. Furthermore, it is oftendifficult to know or determine the correct frequency or frequencies atwhich a noise canceling sound should be projected.

Therefore, it would be useful provide a consumer appliance configured toaddress one or more of the above identified issues. In particular, itmay be advantageous to provide a consumer appliance having featuresdetermining or generating a noise cancellation signal withoutsignificantly affecting the size or usable space of a consumerappliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a consumer applianceis provided. The consumer appliance may include a cabinet, an exteriorpanel, an electromechanical driver, an electromechanical receiver, and acontroller. The cabinet may define an internal chamber. The exteriorpanel may be mounted to the cabinet. The electromechanical driver may befixed to the exterior panel to generate a soundwave therefrom. Theelectromechanical receiver may be mounted within the cabinet. Thecontroller may be configured to initiate a noise canceling operation.The noise canceling operation may include receiving a noise input signalat the electromechanical receiver and initiating an anti-noise wave atthe electromechanical driver through the exterior panel based on thereceived noise input signal.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a consumerappliance is provided. The consumer appliance may include a cabinet, afirst panel, a second panel, an electromechanical driver, anelectromechanical receiver, and a controller. The cabinet may define aninternal chamber and a mechanical compartment spaced apart from theinternal chamber. The first panel may be mounted to the cabinet. Thefirst panel may be an exterior panel. The second panel may be mounted tothe cabinet and spaced apart from the first panel. The electromechanicaldriver may be fixed to the first panel to generate a soundwavetherefrom. The electromechanical receiver may be mounted within themechanical compartment. The controller may be configured to initiate anoise canceling operation. The noise canceling operation may includereceiving a noise input signal at the electromechanical receiver andinitiating an anti-noise wave at the electromechanical driver throughthe first panel based on the received noise input signal.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a consumer appliance, specificallya refrigerator appliance, according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic side view of a consumer appliance accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a portion of a mechanicalcompartment of a consumer appliance according to exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic side view of a consumer appliance accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive(i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms“first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably todistinguish one component from another and are not intended to signifylocation or importance of the individual components.

Generally, some aspects of the present disclosure provide a consumerappliance (e.g., refrigerator appliance) that has an electromechanicalreceiver and electromechanical driver. One or both of theelectromechanical receiver or driver may be mounted within a cabinet ofthe consumer appliance. During use, noise may be detected at theelectromechanical receiver, and the electromechanical driver maygenerate an anti-noise wave to mask or cancel out the detected noise.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view ofa consumer appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure (e.g., as a cooking appliance). Appliance 100includes a cabinet or housing 120 that extends between a top portion 101and a bottom portion 102 along a vertical direction V. A lateraldirection L and a transverse direction T are also defined by the cabinet120 to define a mutually-orthogonal direction system with the verticaldirection V. As shown, cabinet 120 includes or is formed by one or moreexterior panels (e.g., body panels 133) mounted. When assembled, thebody panels 133 define an interior of the cabinet 120. Within theinterior, cabinet 120 defines one or more internal chambers. Forexample, as shown in the exemplary appliance 100 of FIG. 1, cabinet 120may define one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items forstorage. In certain embodiments, housing 120 defines fresh food chamber122 positioned at or adjacent to top portion 101 of housing 120 and afreezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent to bottom portion 102 ofhousing 120. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referredto as a bottom mount refrigerator. However, as will be understood bythose skilled in the art, appliance 100 is provided by way of exampleonly, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitableconsumer appliance (e.g., oven appliance, dishwashing appliance, washingmachine appliance, dryer appliance, range hood, etc.). Thus, theexemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures are not intended tolimit the present subject matter to any particular appliance,configuration, or arrangement, except as otherwise indicated.

In some embodiments, one or more doors are attached to housing 120. Inthe exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1, refrigerator doors 128 arerotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for selectively accessingfresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arrangedbelow refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber124. Freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown)slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 andfreezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1. As isunderstood, each of the doors 128, 130 may be formed by one or moreexterior panels (e.g., door panels 135 extending along a front portionof the corresponding door 128 or 130) that are separated from or spacedapart from the body panels 133 (e.g., along the transverse direction T).

In some embodiments, appliance 100 includes a dispensing assembly 140for dispensing liquid water or ice. Dispensing assembly 140 includes adispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion ofrefrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., on one of doors 128). Dispenser 142includes a discharging outlet 144 for accessing ice and liquid water. Anactuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below dischargingoutlet 144 for operating dispenser 142. In alternative exemplaryembodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operatedispenser 142. For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such asan ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A userinterface panel 148 is provided for controlling the mode of operation.For example, user interface panel 148 includes a plurality of userinputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and anice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such ascrushed or non-crushed ice.

Generally, discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are anexternal part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess150. Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined elevationconvenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user toaccess ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to opendoors 128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 150 ispositioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

In some embodiments, a mechanical compartment 170 is defined by housing120 (e.g., at bottom portion 102 of housing 120, spaced apart fromchamber 122 or 124). Optionally, a drain pan 172 may be positionedwithin mechanical compartment 170. In some such embodiments, drain pain172 is formed from one or more planar, metal pan panels 173. Liquid orwater from one or more portions of the refrigerator appliance 100 maycollect within the drain pan 172. Additionally or alternatively, one ormore portions of a sealed cooling system may be provided on or neardrain pan 172. When assembled, a compressor 174 or condenser (notpictured) of the sealed system can be positioned, for example, on oradjacent to drain pan 172. In some such embodiments, heat from condensercan assist with evaporation of liquid water in drain pan 172. A fan 176may be configured for cooling compressor 174 or condenser, and can alsodirect a flow air across or into drain pan 172. Thus, fan 176 can bepositioned on or adjacent to drain pan 172. Additionally oralternatively, an evaporator 178 in fluid communication with compressor174 may be mounted on or within cabinet 120 above the drain pan 172.Drain pan 172 may be sized and shaped for facilitating evaporation ofliquid water therein. For example, drain pan 172 may be open-topped andextend across about a width or a depth of housing 120.

In certain embodiments, one or more electromechanical drivers 210 arefixed to one or more of the panels (e.g., body panels 133, door panels135, or pan panels 173). Generally, an electromechanical driver 210 isconfigured for converting one or more electrical signals (e.g., digitalsound signals) to vibrations. For instance, electromechanical driver 210may include a voice coil held coaxial to a permanent magnet andsuspension, similar to that found within a dynamic loudspeaker. Whenfixed to a corresponding panel (e.g., 133, 135, 173), electromechanicaldriver 210 may vibrate with at least a portion of the panel. Thus, thecorresponding panel may act as a diaphragm for projecting soundwaves 220corresponding to the electrical signal received at the electromechanicaldriver 210.

In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more electromechanicalreceivers 212 are mounted within the cabinet 120. Generally,electromechanical receiver 212 is configured for converting one or morereceived soundwaves 222 or vibrations to one or more electrical signals(e.g., noise input signal). In some embodiments, an electromechanicalreceiver 212 is included as part of a self-contained microphone assembly(e.g., dynamic microphone, ribbon microphone, fiber-optic microphone,piezoelectric microphone, etc.). In additional or alternativeembodiments, an electromechanical receiver 212 is fixed to one or moreto one or more of the panels (e.g., body panels 133, door panels 135, orpan panels 173). As an example, electromechanical receiver 212 mayinclude an accelerometer or piezoelectric element fixed on internalsurface of the corresponding panel (e.g., 133, 135, 173). As anotherexample, electromechanical receiver 212 may include an induction coilpositioned coaxial to a permanent magnet, similar to that found within adynamic microphone. When fixed to a corresponding panel,electromechanical receiver 212 may vibrate with at least a portion ofthe corresponding panel. Thus, the corresponding panel may act as adiaphragm for receiving soundwaves 222 which may then be detected as oneor more corresponding electrical signals at the electromechanicalreceiver 212.

Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100, including electromechanicaldriver 210 or electromechanical receiver 212, can be regulated by acontroller 190 that is operatively coupled to user interface panel 148or various other components. User interface panel 148 providesselections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigeratorappliance 100 such as, for example, one or more noise cancelingoperations. In response to user manipulation of user interface panel 148or one or more sensor signals, controller 190 may operate variouscomponents of the refrigerator appliance 100. Controller 190 may includea memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such asgeneral or special purpose microprocessors operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with operationof refrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In oneembodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored inmemory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or maybe included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 190may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using acombination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such asswitches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates,and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying uponsoftware.

Controller 190 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughoutrefrigerator appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller190 is located adjacent to user interface panel 148 within refrigeratordoor 128. In other embodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned atany suitable location within refrigerator appliance 100, such as forexample within a fresh food chamber 122, a freezer door 130, etc.Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 190 andvarious operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. Forexample, user interface panel 148, electromechanical driver 210, orelectromechanical receiver 212 may be in communication with controller190 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As illustrated, controller 190 may be in communication with the variouscomponents of dispensing assembly 140 and may control operation of thevarious components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. maybe actuatable based on commands from the controller 190. As discussed,electromechanical driver 210 or electromechanical receiver 212 mayadditionally be in communication with the controller 190. Thus, thevarious operations may occur based on user input or automaticallythrough controller 190 instruction. In some such embodiments, controller190 is configured to initiate a noise canceling operation that generallyprovides for canceling one or more detected noises. For instance, thenoise canceling operation may include receiving a noise input signal atthe electromechanical receiver 212 and initiating an anti-noise wave 220at the electromechanical driver 210.

In some embodiments, the noise input signal may correspond to asoundwave 222 emitted from an internal component of the appliance 100(as illustrated at FIG. 2). In other words, the detected soundwave 222may be generated within the interior of the cabinet 120 (e.g., from acompressor 174, fan 176, etc.). Thus, the noise input signal may be aninternal vibration noise signal corresponding to a soundwave 222 withinan interior of the cabinet 120. In additional or alternativeembodiments, the noise input signal may correspond to a soundwave 222emitted from an external sound source 230 (as illustrated at FIG. 4).The external sound source 230 may be another discrete appliance, one ormore users in close proximity to the appliance 100, or the generalambient environment surrounding the appliance 100. Thus, the noise inputsignal may correspond to a soundwave 222 transmitted from the exteriorof the cabinet 120 to the interior of the cabinet 120.

As shown, for instance at FIGS. 2 and 4, the initiated anti-noise wave220 may be emitted or propagated emitted from vibrations induced at oneor more of the panels (e.g., 133, 135, 173), which correspond tomovement caused by electromechanical receiver 212. Generally, theanti-noise wave 220 may be of the same amplitude as the soundwave 222corresponding to the noise input signal, but of an inverted phase. Thus,the anti-noise wave 220 may cause destructive interference of theoriginal soundwave 222, as is understood.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, one or more suitable locations maybe provided for an electromechanical driver 210 within appliance 100. Asan example, an electromechanical driver 210 may be fixed to a front doorpanel 135 of a refrigerator door 128 or freezer door 130. In suchembodiments, the electromechanical driver 210 may generally be containedwithin an internal door cavity 155 defined by the correspondingrefrigerator door 128 or freezer door 130 (e.g., forward from aninternal chamber, such as fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124,defined by cabinet 120) and generally hidden from view. Moreover, thecorresponding door panel 135 may serve to act as a diaphragm from whichsound (e.g., 220) is projected. As another example, an electromechanicaldriver 210 may be fixed to an interior surface of a side body panel 133of the cabinet 120. Thus, the electromechanical driver 210 may becontained within an insulated region of the cabinet 120 that is betweenthe body panel 133 and the internal chambers 122, 124, while the bodypanel 133 may serve to act as a diaphragm which sound (e.g., 220) isprojected. As an additional or alternative example, in electromechanicaldriver 210 may be fixed to a portion of the drain pan 172 (e.g., withina mechanical compartment 170 defined by cabinet 120). Thus, panel 173 ofthe drain pan 172 may serve to act as a diaphragm from which sound isprojected.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, one or more suitable locations mayalso be provided for an electromechanical receiver 212 within appliance100. As an example, an electromechanical driver 210 may be fixed to aninterior surface of a side body panel 133 of the cabinet 120. Thus, theelectromechanical receiver 212 may be contained within an insulatedregion of the cabinet 120 that is between the body panel 133 and theinternal chambers 122, 124, while the body panel 133 may serve to act asa diaphragm at which sound (e.g., 222) is received. As an additional oralternative example, in electromechanical driver 210 may be fixed to aportion of the drain pan 172 (e.g., within a mechanical compartment 170defined by cabinet 120). Thus, panel 173 of the drain pan 172 may serveto act as a diaphragm at which sound (e.g., 222) is received. As anotheradditional or alternative example, especially illustrated at FIG. 3, oneor more electromechanical drivers 210 may be fixed directly on an activecomponent within the cabinet 120 (e.g., within mechanical compartment170). For instance, an electromechanical driver 210 may be fixeddirectly to a casing 175 of the compressor 174 or a casing₁₇₇ of the fan176. Thus, soundwaves 222 generated at such active components may bedetected (e.g., directly as a soundwave or indirectly as a vibration)without interference or damping from intermediate components.

Advantageously, the described exemplary embodiments may significantlyreduce the perceptible volume of undesirable noise soundwave 222 in, orsurrounding, the appliance 100. For instance, relatively large size anddescribed proximity of the panels 133, 135, 173 to the originalsoundwave 222 may permit an advantageous and efficient canceling ofnoise from or surrounding the appliance 100. Moreover, the appliance 100may readily respond to and adapt to changes in amplitude or volume ofundesirable noise within or adjacent to the appliance 100.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A consumer appliance comprising: a cabinetdefining an internal chamber; an exterior panel mounted to the cabinet;an electromechanical driver fixed to the exterior panel to generate asoundwave therefrom; an electromechanical receiver mounted within thecabinet; and a controller configured to initiate a noise cancelingoperation, the noise canceling operation comprising receiving a noiseinput signal at the electromechanical receiver, and initiating ananti-noise wave at the electromechanical driver through the exteriorpanel based on the received noise input signal.
 2. The consumerappliance of claim 1, wherein the exterior panel is a first panel,wherein the consumer appliance further comprises a second panel spacedapart from the first panel, and wherein the electromechanical receiveris fixed to the second panel.
 3. The consumer appliance of claim 1,further comprising a drain pan mounted within the cabinet, wherein theelectromechanical receiver is fixed to the drain pan.
 4. The consumerappliance of claim 1, further comprising a fan comprising a casingmounted within the cabinet, wherein the electromechanical receiver isfixed to the casing.
 5. The consumer appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising a compressor comprising a casing mounted within the cabinet,wherein the electromechanical receiver is fixed to the casing.
 6. Theconsumer appliance of claim 1, wherein the noise input signal is anambient noise signal corresponding to a soundwave transmitted from anexterior of the cabinet to an interior of the cabinet.
 7. The consumerappliance of claim 1, wherein the noise input signal is an internalvibration noise signal corresponding to a soundwave within an interiorof the cabinet.
 8. The consumer appliance of claim 1, wherein theexterior panel is a first panel, wherein the electromechanical driver isa first electromechanical driver, wherein the consumer appliance furthercomprises: a second panel spaced apart from the first panel; and asecond electromechanical driver fixed to the second panel.
 9. Theconsumer appliance of claim 1, wherein the exterior panel is a firstpanel, wherein the electromechanical receiver is a firstelectromechanical receiver, wherein the consumer appliance furthercomprises: a second panel spaced apart from the first panel; and asecond electromechanical receiver fixed to the second panel.
 10. Theconsumer appliance of claim 1, wherein the consumer appliance is arefrigerator appliance.
 11. The consumer appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet, wherein the doorcomprises an exterior door panel, and wherein the exterior panel is theexterior door panel.
 12. A consumer appliance comprising: a cabinetdefining an internal chamber and a mechanical compartment spaced apartfrom the internal chamber; a first panel mounted to the cabinet, thefirst panel being an exterior panel; a second panel mounted to thecabinet and spaced apart from the first panel; an electromechanicaldriver fixed to the first panel to generate a soundwave therefrom; anelectromechanical receiver mounted within the mechanical compartment;and a controller configured to initiate a noise canceling operation, thenoise canceling operation comprising receiving a noise input signal atthe electromechanical receiver, and initiating an anti-noise wave at theelectromechanical driver through the first panel based on the receivednoise input signal.
 13. The consumer appliance of claim 12, furthercomprising a drain pan mounted within the mechanical compartment,wherein the electromechanical receiver is fixed to the drain pan. 14.The consumer appliance of claim 12, further comprising a fan comprisinga casing mounted within the mechanical compartment, wherein theelectromechanical receiver is fixed to the casing.
 15. The consumerappliance of claim 12, further comprising a compressor comprising acasing mounted within the mechanical compartment, wherein theelectromechanical receiver is fixed to the casing.
 16. The consumerappliance of claim 12, wherein the noise input signal is an ambientnoise signal corresponding to a soundwave transmitted from an exteriorof the cabinet to an interior of the cabinet.
 17. The consumer applianceof claim 12, wherein the noise input signal is an internal vibrationnoise signal corresponding to a soundwave within an interior of thecabinet.
 18. The consumer appliance of claim 12, wherein theelectromechanical driver is a first electromechanical driver, whereinthe second panel is an exterior panel, and wherein the consumerappliance further comprises a second electromechanical driver fixed tothe second panel.
 19. The consumer appliance of claim 12, wherein theconsumer appliance is a refrigerator appliance.
 20. The consumerappliance of claim 12, further comprising a door rotatably mounted tothe cabinet, wherein the door comprises an exterior door panel, andwherein the exterior panel is the exterior door panel.